random thoughts and the miami housewives

• I was supposed to sub on Tuesday but we got some snow and ended up having a snow day.  It was in the 60s on Friday so the snow was strange.  Although I didn't get paid I used the day to get my taxes done.  So nice to have that out of the way and I am actually getting a lot back too (sometimes it pays to be a poor student!)
• Speaking of taxes, I sort of am obsessed with Turbo Tax.  I don't know why I think it is so fun to use, but I do.  
• I have really be slacking on running lately, I need to find a 5k and sign up for it so I am motivated to train!
• Fingers crossed, but I may be getting an iPhone this weekend.  Mom and I are going shopping and I think we are also going to hit up the Verizon store (she wants one too.)
• The other night I cooked a Weight Watchers recipe that used spaghetti squash as a pasta substitute, and it was so good!  I had never had spaghetti squash before and now I want to find more recipes that use it!

• Did you all watch The Real Housewives of Miami?  As you may know, I am a HUGE Real Housewives fan and have seen every episode of every season of every franchise, and I must say that I think these ladies by far seem the most...quirky.  Between the psychic mom, the CA-RAZY story about Adrianna's ex husband, the 17 year old drinking in the club and telling his mom about it, and the one who "collects" people it should be an interesting season!

wake up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy

Is that not a really weird thing to say? What does it even mean? How does P. Diddy feel in the morning...rich? Sleepy? Does he push snooze? Or maybe someone wakes him up becuase...well...he is P. Diddy? The world may never know.

Anyways, this morning I am feeling pretty good and that line is just stuck in my head. As of today I have lost over 5 pounds on Weight Watchers, I have Real Housewives of NY dvr-ed and waiting for me, it's Friday, and I allowed myself to eat a yummy asiago cheese bagel from Panera for breakfast. (Friday and Saturday are the days I use most of my WW flex points for the week.)

Still no new grad school news. Waiting on School #1 but that's ok...I'm still in a good mood.

And here is something else that is exciting: One of you will be winning this tote very soon!

Today is the last day to enter my first giveaway, I'll be picking the winner over the weekend.

Click HERE to enter!

joined at the hip

This weekend I spent some time bonding with my DVR which included catching up on "The Real Housewives of Orange County." Without going too much into the show itself...as that is not the intention of my post...this season has a totally different feeling then the prior ones, and is almost a little bit sad to watch. They are all broke, and all seem to hate each other in a way that goes beyond the normal, entertaining, cattiness.

On last week's episode Tamra and Simon (who appears to have become evil) went to dinner with the new housewife, Alexis and her husband. For some some reason they got into this strange conversation about their relationships, how their husbands need to treat them, sneaking into closets to have sex, being soul mates, blah, blah, blah. The whole thing was pretty awkward and most likely staged.

During said conversation Alexis said how her and her husband are never away from each other and if she goes somewhere without him she feels sad and wishes he was there or wants to just go home. That really got to me. Personally, I hate it when people equate the level they are "in love" or that they are "soul mates" with how much time they spend together.

In college I had several friends who would NEVER do anything except hang out with their boyfriends and seemed to treat those who were not always with their boyfriends (like myself) as part of a lesser relationships.

Personally, I would much rather be in a relationship where each party has time by themselves and with friends and is not always with their significant other. Yes, it is very important to spend time as a couple, but at the end of the day you still are your own person. And your other relationships are important too, are they not?

Maybe I am way off base here...what do you think about people who only seem to spend time with their significant other? Are they just more in love or are they just co-dependent?

Rumbly in my Tumbly

For some reason I am STARVING this morning...not sure why since I didn't eat any less then normal. My stomach keeps growling very loudly. Fortunately the guy in the cube next to me is out today and the guy who sat on the other side got fired a couple months ago...so no one can hear it (I hope.)

In an effort to find a small snack I turned to my desk drawer where I have an assortment of really old candy, a really old mini pack of oreos and a really old bag of chips. I went for the really old mini milky way and now I have a strange taste in my mouth. It's kind of like sour milk (which is interesting since it was a milky way.) Can milky ways go bad?

Completely unrelated...congrats to Teresa and Juicy Joe (from Real Housewives of NJ) on another baby girl. Can you imagine if it had been a boy?

Friend's of the Housewives

Please don't say I am totally lame, but I really have trouble staying up to watch shows that are on from 10-11. Hence, I didn't watch "Real Housewives of Atlanta," until Saturday. I know, I know, I am so behind.

Personally, some of the funniest characters on that show are not the housewives, but the random supporting characters of their lives.

Take for example, NeNe's husband, Gregg (love the double g's by the way), how funny are the faces he makes at his wife? He obviously knows she is nuts and thinks it is funny.

Then there is NeNe's "gay boyfriend," Dwight. It's like Prince and Ivana Trump had a baby together then sent him to be raised by a high class call girl in Atlanta. And I mean that in the nicest possible way, Dwight is fabulous.

Kim's suburban psychic, Rose, also made an appearance in the premier...and Kim is going to have a little boy! How exciting. I wonder if Big Poppa will come back into the picture or maybe Dallas Austin will be the father.

And finally, we met a minor character with a major personality. Sheree's "party planner"/"business executive"...I have no clue what his name is...but, yikes. Sheree is by no means a favorite of mine, but who talks to a paying client like that? I don't see him getting much business from now on but I sure hope he shows up on the show again!

Over too soon

So where do I start with the season finale of the "Real Housewives of New Jersey"? To be honest the beginning was a whole lot of blah, blah, blah...an attack dog, Dina quiting work, Ashley gets a car, tours of the marble palace that is Chateau Juicy...blah blah blah. Boring. And given that it was a season finale I was pretty surprised at the lack of wrapping up the story lines.

Perhaps it was because the only real story line of this show was glorious, glorious drama...and big bubies.

Then came the dinner party, where Juicy Joe attempted to eat oysters. Why didn't we see more of him this season? Big mistake Bravo, he needed to be a central character.

The moment we were all waiting for occurred when Danielle walked into party (late.) The tension was palpable, even thought I was only watching it on TV probably a year after it was filmed.

Everything was going smoothly as Teresa shared the effect that the new bubies have had on her marriage. Then Danielle whipped out THE BOOK. All I have to say is WTF. Sorry if I offend anyone, but WTF basically sums it up. I actually thought pretty well of Danielle when she talked to her daughters about it in their house, but then she had to start something. Not necessary.

You do not get to "speak you piece" at someones family dinner party. Good for T for getting her kids out, but none of the kids should have seen that crap. I love that Caroline laid down the law. I love Caroline, and Dina for that matter.

I don't see why it matters who "revealed" THE BOOK...Danielle, you are on a TV show...someone was going to find out about THE BOOK. Move on. I don't know if you all caught this but during the cat fight Danielle said "I want clearance on this" when talking about how she needed to know "the truth"...for real...clearance? She wanted to get it on sale? What an idiot.

Jacqueline's input was boring. That wasn't the time to grow a backbone, try standing up to your daughter first. Ok, that was mean, she is sweet and I like her. I just really didn't see what her input added to the situation. Her husband did a good job calming things down though. Good job Chris.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any more insane. Teresa flipped the table and had to be restrained by Juicy Joe and Dina. That was awesome. I think I would have done the same thing if it was my dinner party getting ruined. I love Teresa too.

Oh heck, I love them all...except Danielle.

I couldn't believe it was over.

Show Me the Bubies

First of all, believe it or not I have never been to Atlantic City, even though I live only a few hours away. The Water Club looked awesome, I would love to go with the "Real Housewives of New Jersey", my bubies are big too so I think I would fit in...well except for the whole being really rich part. This show is raising and interesting point...does everyone in NJ say bubies?

I thought it was super cute how Caroline's family all worked out together, they are really close and you can totally tell just from watching the show. She definitely is my favorite.

When Jacqueline was first talking to Ashley about her grades I was impressed, I thought maybe Ashley was becoming less of a brat...then came the photo shoot. I can not believe how rude she was to her mom, when her mom paid for her to have a photo shoot. There is no way she should have a new car.

Dina's daughter and her cat, Grandma Wrinkle, are both really funny. Who names a cat Grandma? And dresses her up in clothes? A cat wearing clothes is one of the funniest things on the planet....especially weird hairless ones.

Over in Crazy Town, it was Danielle's birthday...how old was she turning...20, 40, 60? The world may never know. To celebrate she broke up with her "boy toy"...in a diner, with much Ed Hardy apparel present. It was the quintessential New Jersey breakup. She told her daughters about it, in a very interesting conversation surrounded by many tiny dogs (how many does she have, I couldn't tell if there were 1 or 3?) I know I am not a parent but I think it is obvious that with kids, actions speak louder then words so don't tell your girls to save the "goodies" for their husbands when you talk about sneaking into the bathroom on a date while being filmed for a TV show.

Teresa was totally the star of this episode. The getting ready for the pool scene was hilarious, Caroline is so right, Teresa is like a Barbie. A tiny, tan, Italian Barbie...with a very small forehead. I agree, she does need some bubies...and a pole in the bedroom...why not? Good for her, and Juicy Joe (who finally said "fuhgetaboutit," which was awesome.) I was surprised in the end T actually got the bubies...I was expecting her not to go through with it. But, in all seriousness...more power to her. I am all for plastic surgery if it makes you feel better about yourself and you know where to draw the line...we don't need anymore Danielle's running around.

All in all, this week wasn't super exciting...but next week looks insane.

Get to the Book Already!

That's what I was thinking watching Real Housewives of New Jersey. After all the hype about this book that allegedly reveals Danielle was part of some kind of 1980s Bonnie and Clyde duo, I was dying to see it addressed on the show.

But I had to watch a bunch of random stuff first...

Like Dina preparing her daughter, Lexi, for a trip to Cyprus with her father. Why doesn't my dad ever take my to Cyprus...I am jealous. The whole packing scene was pretty funny. But who has a going away party for a vacation? Confusing...but fun. The goodbye scene was pretty cute. Dina and Lexi seem to have a good relationship.

Finally Juicy Joe got some camera time at the dancing lessons, I have been waiting to see more of him...and my love of Caroline and her family expanded, I would really like to hang out with them. Danielle was trained, professionally as a dancer alright...at the Bada Bing. (forgive me, I have been waiting 4 episodes to get a Soprano's reference into RHONJ.) She was out of control at the dance lesson, poor Albie. And now she has insulted Juicy Joe, which is too bad she won't be able to get many dollar bills in her g-string tips with broken kneecaps.

I actually think it is very noble that Jacqueline and her husband are letting the cameras film them struggling with fertility, so many people deal with that and it is always nice to have someone to relate to.

Then finally...the book...is it bad that I want to read it? I think Caroline's assessment was spot on, Danielle is preying on Jacqueline because she is so sweet and kind. Jacqueline needs to find a new friend and listen to her family. I don't believe a word that Danielle said to be honest, yes she may have made mistakes when she was younger, which is fine...but she is still a creep. I don't care if a house has a million rooms, if you are there and something is going on that would attract the attention of the FBI...you should know about it.

Speaking of a million rooms...at Chateau Juicy...land of millions of tons of marble, granite, onyx and hand forged iron...moving day arrived. And the little girl's reaction was precious...all snark aside. Gia's unpacking was too cute. I just hope they don't bump their heads on all the stone. Kinda funny that just because the furniture came "off the back of truck" Joe automatically assumed it was free.

So what did you girls think of this episode?

P.S. Has anyone else noticed how many times these women say things that are just completely wrong...i.e. Danielle said she wanted to "establish" the rumors about her, sweetie, a better word would be "clarify" or when she said there is "dialect" written about everyone...that makes no sense. Dina said there were some things "underlining" the surface...huh? Underlying? Please ladies, if you are trying to sound smarter...it isn't working.

The Calm Before the Storm

Alright last night's "Real Housewives" was pretty boring but I think the storm of Danielle's insanity and dubious lifestyle choices is about to break. I thought she was struggling financially so the spa plastic surgery party didn't seem to make sense. Especially when one of the other housewives said that the treatments they were getting were free! If I was her ex-husband and I saw that I don't think I would rush to give her a settlement. The whole relationship with Steve is weird...she was acting like they were in this great relationship and her kids loved him but if that is the case why was she going on a blind date with Guccimodel? There is something very strange lurking beneath that taunt, shiny, bronzed, duck-like face.

As for the other ladies...I don't have much to say about Dina. She didn't do anything exciting. I can't imagine what their family reunions are like...especially after meeting brother Jamie.

I actually am liking Caroline more and more, Jacqueline needs to take her advice and whip Ashley into shape. There is no way that girl needs a brand new car...or any car for that matter! I'm going to get on a bit of a soapbox here but I think it is horrible when parents don't work as a team, Jacqueline's husband should not have gotten Ashley that car without his wife on board...all he will accomplish by doing that is make her even more spoiled and more disrespectful to her mother. Rewarding her almost getting kicked out of school...great idea, buddy. But Jacqueline should have gone to him, instead of asking his sister, Caroline, to intervene.

Oh Teresa, she cracks me up. Jean Benet Gia is a very cute little girl but those pictures were out of control...the little Burberry outfit...oh my. And the number of bags at the photo shoot...wow. I was surprised that she allowed so little time to get to the Willamina appointment in NYC...any self respecting stage mom would know to plan ahead and get there super early for maximum pre-interview coaching-of-the-little-diva-time.

So what did you all think?

Woah, Mama

While Episode 2 of Real Housewives of New Jersey certainly didn't disappoint I have to say I am getting a little annoying of just seeing the same things that were in that preview. Come on Bravo, let's see some new footage here.

First of all, I continue to think Jacqueline is very sweet and seems like a nice person but she needs to get her daughter under control. Be a parent not a friend and please don't let Danielle try and disciple your child. I don't think Danielle is a role model I would want for a teenage girl. I mean unless you want your daughter suggesting "sneaking into the bathroom" while on dates.

Speaking of Danielle, while I am sure she deserves something in the form of support from her er-husband and I am totally for being a stay-at-home mom, if she was really so strapped for money she should...I don't know....get a job? Her kids are in school, she could look for something part time...or maybe sell the house and move into something even slightly smaller. That would be more responsible then trying to find a new sugar daddy...and Danielle, I don't think that guy is dating you because he wants to support you and your kids. If you know what I mean.

Dina wasn't show as much on this episode so I am still kind of torn on her, that personal assistant interview was strange, I really hope it was staged. Can you imagine going on an interview like that?

I like that Caroline and her husband seem to actually parent their children. It is a nice change from parents on other season of Real Housewives. Do people normally eat pasta and potatoes in one meal though....holy carbs Batman.

Teresa, Teresa, Teresa, I hardly have words. Hold on, I'll find some. While Gia, is an adorable child, an extra in "Doubt" does not a star make. I also can't stand people that let their kids run wild in stores, restaurants, etc...it's just disrespectful to whatever place you are in and the people in it. I know kids will act up but condoning running around pulling things off the rack and playing with the cash register is outrageous. Kind of like her house.

What did you all think?

Welcome to New Jersey

You may recall that after the premier of Real Housewives of NY I blogged about my first impressions of the season. Naturally I decided to do the same thing for New Jersey, which is even more exciting since it is totally new. Let me say this...I am stoked for this show. These ladies seem out of control! And thus far there seems to be a theme about trying to be your daughter's best friend instead of a parent, which is always intriguing.

Dina...While her decorating taste is questionable and I am not sure why her daughter was drinking from a goblet, she is gorgeous and I think she will be a good source of drama.

Caroline...I kind of think it would be cool to work at the Brownstone so maybe they could adopt me or something? And I like her relationship with Dina, and her sons seem funny so far but I think she will end up being annoying.

Teresa...first of all, does anyone else think that her hairline is very weird? I am very worried about her hair merging with her eyebrows, that would be scary...like reverse evolution. And speaking of evolution, or lack there of, Joe kind of looks like the juicy and delicious missing link. Oh great now I will have to go into the witness protection program...please don’t hurt me Joe! Furthermore, nothing says mafia like having over 12ok in cash on you in a store. I love a crazy stage mom so that element should be interesting too.

Jacqueline...is probably my favorite so far, she seems very real and caring, she even was really sweet to that creature, Danielle. I thought it was cute that her and Teresa went to spy on the blind date.

Danielle...ok she looks like something from Tales from the Crypt. She brings up a lot of questions....who has been engaged 20 times? Who sends naked pictures to someone she just met on the Internet? Who talks about phone sex on national TV? Over share. "Guccimodel" is probably a 12 year old boy or a 85 year old man. Now based on my recent post I am not knocking online dating in any way, but I don't really think what she was doing was "dating." I find her to be very sketchy.

So those are my thoughts so far...what did you all think about it?

Tonight is a pretty packed TV night so I will have to watch the rest of NY reunion...aka cat fight...tomorrow. After I get my puppy of course, how appropriate for that to be her first TV show to watch with me. Can't wait to show you all pictures!

Bittersweet Memories that is All I'm Taking with Me

Well "Real Housewives of NY" season 2 is over, or over until the reunion next week, but you know what I mean. I guess I thought I would be sad or something but I am so ready to cross the river and move on to New Jersey. The prospect of a new group of Housewives is very exciting and I can't wait to blog about my initial reactions, I hope it is like "The Sopranos," I loved that show. I don't know if I have mentioned it before, but K is actually from New Jersey (but the more rural part...don't feel bad if you didn't know about it...neither did I until I visited him.) Anyways, he is very mad about this show since "New Jersey doesn't need any further stereotypes." My response...."If the big hair, stripper shoes, and velour track suits fit..." No offense New Jersey, I kid because I love.

But enough on New Jersey for now, I really found the season 2 finale of NY pretty boring, my hopes were high after this season and I was let down. All the episode seemed to do was illustrate how self-involved these women all are, while they ironically worked on a charity. Also ironic that the one person who made me really glad that I was watching the show was Simon, and his...errr...outfit. That was just insane. I really am not bothered by his other "fashion risks," if he wants to wear pink clogs more power to him. But lace up red leather pants, a sequined blazer, and pointy boots? I just don't get how that is fashionable at all. He looked like he just crawled out of a Hot Topic in a New Jersey (sorry to bring it up again!) mall.

Ramona and him dancing was pretty hilarious. And with that, goodbye "Real Housewives of New York." You know I will always love you, see you next season, and please...no more Kelly. She needs to go the way of that weirdo Quinn from the OC. Remember her?

Um Kelly, the mothership called...time to return to the home planet

If I had any lingering doubts about Kelly's insanity they are now gone. That lady is a nut job. Seriously. The first strange incident last night occurred at the Countess' Luann's "Sex and the City" Girls Night (how sad was it by the way that she was talking about living vicariously through the single girls...ironic.) At first I thought that Kelly was kidding when Luann told her to let her hair down, and she actually...let her hair down. I really think that she didn't know what that expression means.

Then there was the showdown with Bethenny, where Kelly proved she knows about "mountains and molehills." Yet another incorrect expression Kelly, way to go. The "showdown" was just awkward, I really can't think of anything snarky to say about it...it was just too weird. I mean who tells someone right after this big fight "you look great in that Zac dress"? Huh?

I really think she is an alien...I used to think Ramona was, but next to Kelly, Ramona looks...dare I say...normal?

Perhaps Simon and Alex will drag her back to their (NEWLY REMODELED!) Vampire lair/living room and feed her to their wild French monkey children.

Fashion Fright Night

The fact that it was Halloween was not what made last night's "Real Housewives" truly creepy...no, that was Alex and Kelly's fashion choices.


Yes, the burlap corset was for a good cause but it was absolutely disgusting. The fact that it was burlap doesn't even bother me too much, but why did it have to say FEED across Alex's emaciated frame? Also, it didn't seem to fit her nor did the skirt she wore go at all. Everyone knows a burlap corset needs a burlap skirt. As promised she did wear it to opening night at the Met, and I am sure she made quite a splash (see below.)

[Photo courtesy of The New York Observer]

Then there was Kelly, I don't know what she was going for with the head shots, her face did look nice and distinctly less-leathery, but why was her bra hanging out and why did her jeans look like something a punk high-schooler would wear? Is that the image a woman her age and a mom would want to portray on head shots? What is she planning on auditioning for exactly? I was confused...and grossed out.

How silly was her comment about how her Playboy bunny costume was "flirty but appropriate for a mom." Ummm...no it wasn't. There is a small window of time when a normal woman can pull off a Playboy bunny costume. Kelly does have a great body but she passed that window about 10 years ago.

I don't think "taking the kids trick-or-treating" was the reason her and "Max-Max" (who went as a...naked man...original) were late to the party. I would say use your imagination...but then your eyes would be burned out and I want you to keep reading my blog!

She Works Hard for the Money?

Call me crazy but I do not think hiring someone to create a (book-jewelery-skin care products) then putting your name on it counts as work, Real Housewives of NY. The only skill required is harnessing someone else's talents, making a few doodles or dictating how many times one should kiss someone. That is not hard to do ladies.

It doesn't really both me that they do this type of thing; if you have the money and the real talent behind the operation doesn't care...more power to you. What does both me is that they call it "working" and talk about how hard this "work" is. Let's call it what it is...using your money and semi-fame to market something all about you to the sheep out there and make even more money.

Yes..I know just for blogging about this I am exhibiting sheep-ish behavior...and I am sad to admit that Kelly's jewelry actually is pretty cute. Love the little owls. Not that Leather-face really made the jewelry... so nice work "celebrity" jewelry line maker guy.

Which brings me back to my point...why can't they just admit that this isn't work? Why? Maybe I am jealous...I would much rather dictate a few words of a book then go to work everyday.

Oh, and Leather-face...be careful playing in traffic girl, that it never a good plan.

Shame On You Countess

Normally my comments about "The Real Housewives of NYC" are snarky and not to be taken seriously at all. I do not know these women, I judge them based on a highly edited show which they voluntarily participated in. I don't know how I would feel about any one of them should we actually meet.

That being said, something happened on last night's episode that stuck a serious nerve with me. No surprise the offender was Countess Luann.

If you didn't see it here is the gist of what happened: Luann went to some kind of community center type place in Brooklyn to meet with a girls group. The girls seemed to be pre-teens and I assumed from the way Luann was talking they came from underprivileged backgrounds. The girls were discussing self esteem. I guess Luann was invited because her self esteem cup runneth over. After a lot of self esteem talk Luann asked the girls what they wanted to be, and one girl said she wanted to be a model. Yes, she was overweight but she was 10 years old...Luann told her "losing weight is easy."

Are you serious!!! Who tells that to a 10 year old!? I am all for kids being healthy and childhood obesity is a problem in America, but you just don't do that. If she wants to aim to be a model more power to her. When you are 10 your body is changing, how does Luann know how she will end up...and there are many types of models out there.

This was a SELF ESTEEM workshop! Does she really think telling a 10 year old she is fat will build self esteem? No wonder young girls have eating disorders.

Luann you claim to be a role model and that you want to help people...but you are so out of touch with reality it is scary. Thank God Rosie the housekeeper raised your children, who knows what you would have done to them on your own. I hope that little girl in Brooklyn has better role models in her life and didn't listen to any of your mindless, self-absorbed, drivel. Shame on you.

Mee-ow and Woof

First of all...holy cat fight Batman...my mouth way literally hanging open while watching "Real Housewives" last night. Kelly may in fact be more deranged then Ramona, in fact Ramona came off as semi-normal last night. Now I know I said cat fight but it was more of a cat attack as my girl Bethanney could hardly get a word in during Leatherface's insane ranting...out.of.control.

Second...big news! On Saturday K and I are going to a breeder to look at puppies! We have been planning on getting a puppy in the Spring/Summer for a while but I have been holding off on blogging about it until we had more definite plans. More to come on this but I just had to share because I am sooooo excited!

Happy Hump Day Everyone!

I am in love...

With my BlackBerry...I think I understand the crackberry thing now. I am still working on getting it organized and everything but it is so cool! I woke up in the middle of the night and just looked at it...like it is a new baby or something. I was so busy with it last night I barely paid attention to "Real Houswives." And for me...that is a big deal.

And I Fell Asleep...well almost.

Last night's "Real Housewives of NY" was so boring I could hardly stand it, it did however give me an idea for an awesome scene. They need to show Luann (who basically implied that women need to act stupid and subservient to get a man) and Alex (who admitted to looking for one night stands on the Internet...I'm not judging but that is skanky to me) discussing dating.

Wouldn't that be some drama?

In other "Housewives" news: "The Real Housewives of New Jersey" is premiering May 12th...interesting. Very interesting.

I keep obsessively checking Gawker for last night's recap so if it is on there somewhere and I am missing it please let me know!

UPDATED: The Gawker recap is up!

Attention Housewives Fans! (and people who like to mock them)

Gawker posts absolutely hilarious recaps after each episode of The Real Housewives of NYC, here is the most recent one. Beware if you are reading this in your cubical at work...you may start laughing hysterically causing coworkers to look at you with disdain and/or call HR to have your mental health evaluated.